Morristown’s Got Talent

What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township, and Morris Plains presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation When: Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street in Morristown Tickets: On sale Jan. 27 at the Mayo Center. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 973-539-8008 or online at www.mayoarts.org. Online: Visit DailyRecord.com/MorristownGotTalent to read stories about the other finalists.

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MORRISTOWN — The following is the latest in a series of profiles of the finalists in the Morristown’s Got Talent competition to be held on Feb. 26.

Uma Kantheti is excited to showcase an art form unfamiliar to many in the audience at this year’s Morristown’s Got Talent, the classical Indian style of dance Bharatanatyam.

“I have been learning the art for 11 years and wanted to showcase my art to the community in which I live,” said Katheti, 16, of Morristown.

Kantheti, a junior at Morristown High School, will perform Thillana, a rhythmic classical Indian dance sequence at this year’s show.

“My act represents a unique art form which I hope will entertain and inform the audience,” said Kantheti.

“The dance movements, the costume and the makeup are designed to be visually appealing, and when combined with the music and rhythmic patterns will allow me to narrate the underlying theme of my piece, which is the symbolic striving of man’s soul trying to unite with the eternal.”

Kantheti said she was inspired to perform Thillana after watching Bharatanatyam performances, which typically culminate with the Thillana sequence.

“I was inspired to take up a similarly challenging Thillana that will test my strength, stamina, coordination, and footwork, all designed to showcase the craft of Bharatanatyam in its most energetic form,” said Kantheti.

If she wins the $1,000 grand prize, Kantheti plans to use most of the winnings to apply for college, though some would go to charity.

Kantheti enjoys the variety of restaurants Morristown has to offer, so she might also celebrate by visiting a new eatery or enjoying a slice of her favorite food, pizza.

Following Morristown’s Got Talent, Kantheti wants to continue performing Bharatanatyam in various venues and pass on the tradition to the next generation.